RLS User Manual v1.5 November 2014
Contents
1. Visual Categories Free from defects Visible loss of paint coating only Surface corrosion Pitting flaking Extensive corrosion Major loss of section Uniform narrow band corrosion Holes visible within the base root of unit Impact Damage 0ga CMT Testing Pte Ltd reserves the right to amend the recommendation PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 18 ortaCAT RLS Meter User Manual 2D orta INDUSTR Notes 1 PA 3 4 5 6 7 Non metallic coatings do not affect measurements and no surface preparation or preliminary digging out below ground level is necessary because the transponder penetrates soil concrete and coated macadam Where necessary corrosion products or debris standing proud of the original profile should be removed to allow the plastic spacers to be vertical and in intimate contact along its length with the column It is suggested that the REFerence reading is taken above ground level on an area that appears to be sound This area could also be spot checked with a thickness gauge instrument for absolute reference Itis recommended that comparative RLS readings are then taken at ground level on four sides to scan the full circumference of the column although the standard Transponder Head scans around half the circumference on smaller diameter columns The mini head is recommended when narrow band or shallow loss is anticipated and on multi faceted columns e g octagonal street lights H irons or2. gt 2 0 e gt Q wal RLS Meter User Manual Z o c N wa m 1 Introduction to the RLS Meter The SCRIBE Relative Loss of Section Meter type 5 D is for comparing the relative apparent AREA SENSED BY Area sensed by loss of mean sectional wall thicknesses at STANDARD u different areas of steel lighting columns Its TRANSPONDER HEAD main purpose is to compare the relative section of an area above and below the ground level ea ae with a same sized area at a higher level Using the standard head the test area extends 200mm x 200mm approximately 200mm high 100mm above to 100mm below ground level and x 200mm wide The mini head test area extends 60mm wide and 120mm high about 60mm below ground level The mini head is used to pinpoint locations of greatest loss on the most vulnerable zone and where narrow bands of corrosion exist The equipment comprises e The battery powered RLS 5 D Mk 2 meter e An interconnection cable e A standard transponder head e A mini transponder head e A robust watertight resin carrying case The RLS Meter is controlled by computer including the input and output from the transponder head It also provides the step by step instructions to the operator on a LCD screen As the values are received by the on board computer it also processes and stores this information with a display of the results for the operator to record Two nylon stand offs
3. RLS Meter User Manual Scribe RLS Loss of Section Meter Version 1 4 Final November 2014 General RELATIVE LOSS OF SECTION RLS and LSU are registered Trademarks of CMT Instruments Limited P T Hil aiy RLS Meter User Manual Table of Contents 1 Introduction to the RLS Meter ccccssscsssseessseeeseeeeesesenseeeseesasesenseseeneeees 3 2 Principle ofthe RLS NOLO sonn rE EE EEEE 4 2 CUNO UD eere E A 6 4 Daily Calibration Procedure cccssseccsesseeceeseesceneeseenseeeenseesenseseeneesonneees 10 Ds lesn PEO CCUG eeren EEEE 12 6 APPICCIU a cece oes tcee ecwecanesaesacanace docteeunameayesetesseueseeensenneoleee aes 14 7 Pro cedu r for Round POle ievesccnsesseunacecsecoccenveccsgnwescasdesceunaceavecosdencecssueubeasseestae 15 8 Procedure for Standard Light Pole cssscesesseeeseeecenseesenseeseeseeseeseees 16 9 Understanding the Loss Of S CtION cccseseeseenseeeeneeseneeesenseesenseesoeneees 17 10 Classifying the Loss Of Section cccccseeseeseeseeseeseeeeeseenseeeenseeseeeeenees 18 11 Advanced Use of Reference ccccsssccsesseeceesescenseeseeseeseesseeeenseesenneesees 20 12 Probability Of Corrosion Activity cccccceeeeseeeeeneeeeeneeeeeneeeeenseeeenseeseeneenees 21 13 Procedure for Adding More Credits scceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeneeseeeeeeees 22 PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 2
4. _ 7 Display reads Get REFerence VALue and will continue to vary every second or so 8 Allow the unit to warm up for 2 3 minutes before calibrating each morning as per the following section PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 9 eZ aioe RLS Meter User Manual 4 Daily Calibration Procedure Place calibration plate on a non metallic surface e g the carry case ensuring that there is no metal at least 100mm below Wid All metal objects should be removed from the carry case and the calibration check carried out on the closed lid Place the head at position A as illustrated with the top edge exactly in line with the top of the plate Allow reading to settle leaving the head in position a further few seconds until a value settles This value should be 0 1 Press H to Hold the reference PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 WLLL EEE a a eee Page 10 RLS Meter User Manual Move the Head to position B ensuring that the bottom face is in line with the bottom edge of the plate E EE E E EXX E ee Record the stable RLS reading value on the record sheet The value should be within the range shown on the calibration plate Press the Hold H button 5 times will beep after each press and after hearing 3 successive beeps press the Clear C button PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 11 NN Dy 0 ok Q
5. a RLS Meter User Manual Z o wn az m 5 Testing Procedure For routine testing follow below operating procedure 1 Prior to testing the next pole ensure the display settles between 2 and 30 and adjust Z zero knob accordingly 2 Select reference area as shown in Section 7 3 Ensure the reference and testing areas have any flaking or debris scraped down Use of a grinder is not required just a uniform surface established 4 Once the reading is stabilised see Application section then press H to store the REFerence value The screen value should return to zero 0 but the reference value is not displayed 5 Commence testing at ground level GL at position P3 for steel standard light poles and P1 for other poles PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 12 N YY a ont T TM CMY INDUSTRIES RLS Meter User Manual D 10 When reading has settled press H The LSUs are displayed in small type on the right of the display LCD Move the head 90 clockwise around the base of the column to the next position allow the reading to settle and press H The LSUs are also displayed Repeat the procedure at the required positions After holding the LSUs 5 times the instrument bleeps 3 times Record the displayed LSUs at the measured positions and re set the instrument ready for the next column by pressing C Clear Note If fewer than five readings are required record
6. and are indicated below Above Ground V ABOVE ground 100mm ivf AT ground surface V BELOW ground 100mm Below Ground PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 4 N a bonat T TM CMT INDUSTRIES RLS Meter User Manual Evidence supporting this is published by the Institute of Lighting Engineers UK who highlighted the four critical zones as show in the following diagram 4 Swaged Joint 3 Bottom of the door opening level with the door 2 Bottom of the door opening to ground level 1 100mm ground level Manufacturers of round hexagonal and octagonal section steel lighting columns have produced four basic types l Plain steel with paint protection system 2 Aluminium spray coated 5 Zinc spray coated 4 Zinc galvanised Regardless of any applied non metallic protective paint system readings obtained on plain steel and aluminium or zinc metal spray coated columns are scaled to approximate the relative percentage difference in the bulk average mass of steel relative to the reference area for most corrosion conditions PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 5 K S Z 0 e gt Q w RLS Meter User Manual Z o Cc wn 7 m 3 Setting Up The main elements to the RLS Meter electronics box are shown in the images below SN Ubi 0 16 O wy ETE a Battery Holders Instrument Panel The setting up operating procedure is as follows
7. fixed to the standard transponder head ensures a constant stand off distance for all column sizes and a spirit level fixed to the top of the head enables correct vertical alignment Most of the operation steps are controlled by either the HOLD or CLEAR buttons including the initial reference measurement and the storage of a result In addition to the HOLD button on the instrumentation panel the standard transponder head also includes a yellow button on the right hand handle for ease of operation There are three main steps prior to operation and these are assembly warm up and calibration Each time a REFerence value is saved on the RLS Meter it consumes a credit The RLS Meter must be loaded with credits prior to the commencement of testing and may need to topped up as per Section 12 As credits are used the available number drops accordingly and the overall credits used are displayed on start up PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 3 Y S D e e gt Q u RLS Meter User Manual Z o c N wa m 2 Principle of the RLS Meter The instrument uses very low frequency shaped magnetic fields induced by the transponder unit The mini head uses lower frequency higher intensity profiled flux pattern for more localised results The waveform is profiled such that any magnetic flux pattern and magnetic flux density distortions induced by conductive and or magnetic material within th
8. the actual values on the report sheet and press H until the 3 beeps are heard then press C This will recommence the reference and testing cycle Mini Head Spirit Level HOLD Button Standard Transponder Head PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 13 a rota CMI RLS Meter User Manual 6 Application Once the calibration is completed in the morning approach a pole and make sure the calibration readings are cleared Determine which transponder head is appropriate for the test and zero to between 2 and 30 When using the standard head position the stand off spacers against the column at the area to be referenced Wait for the reading to settle to 10 20 when using the mini head until the value steadies then press HOLD This is the REFerence value The number is held in the memory but not displayed and uses a credit on the unit The apparent relative loss of section can then be assessed at another area on the column or several different areas at ground level around its circumference can be examined Up to five readings may be displayed by pressing the HOLD button when steady readings are obtained As part of the procedure make sure that the steel surface is cleaned down so that the test head has uniform contact with the metal The RLS reading indicates in scaled LSUs Loss of Section Units to give a proportional guide value for the area relative to the REFerence area stored rea
9. 1 After unscrewing the battery holder caps place four batteries into the battery holders with the positive side to the top 2 on either side You must use Duracell C type batteries due to their voltage stability Do not use rechargeable batteries PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 6 aoa RLS Meter User Manual JIN x O CM A 2 Replace the battery caps being careful not to screw them back on unevenly otherwise the threads may misalign Pressing a finger in the middle of the cap slowly turning anti clockwise until it sits into the start of the thread is a helpful way of ensuring the threads align The battery cap only needs to be gently tightened and should look like the image above 3 Plug lead into standard transponder head then into the instrument similarly either end of the cable only needs to be gently tightened PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 7 A K 2 e gt Q u j RLS Meter User Manual Z o c wn wa m 4 Switch on by pressing the red button instrument automatically turns on if unit has no power button and the start up screen will show on the LCD PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 8 N K y CMT INDUSTRIES RLS Meter User Manual 6 Adjust Z zero knob to stabilise display between 2 and 30 but be aware it is very sensitive Adjust clockwise to increase positive at this point it only shows zero or positive numbers _
10. For instance if only one quadrant fails in category 4 gt 24 LSUs and the remaining three readings in category 1 the overall classification would be less than severe than all four readings being in category 3 The recommended procedure to arrive at an overall classification is to first calculate the average of the four test results P1 to P4 and apply numeric weightings of 4 and 8 where one or more measurements fall within category 3 and 4 5 respectively Step 1 Take an average of all of the readings On standard light poles and round power poles at least 3 readings are required Step 2 Determine if any one reading 1s within Classification 3 4 or 5 If so choose the highest Step 3 If the highest LSU reading is in Classification 3 then add 4 to the average if the highest reading is in Classification 4 or 5 then add 8 to the average This value is known as the weighted average Step 4 Choose the appropriate Visual Category this is the worst visual condition on the pole Step 5 Select the overall Classification row then the Visual Category column and identify the asset outcome from the Classification Matrix Step 6 If the pole has impact damage sufficient to not allow the required readings then classify as G Classification Matrix For typical street lighting poles and any planted steel structures Classification P a BR c D E F _ years year Replace within 1 month pa 2580 50 Replace within I month _
11. box rail configurations Extraneous metallic objects that are close to the column under test or lie within the field of view beneath the search head may affect the displayed value for the reference reading and or the Loss of Section values In such cases the numbers displayed may be erratic unusually high or both The more usual items are drink cans or metallic paper from cigarette packets present in the 100mm zone If the problem is associate with the proximity of barriers it may be overcome by using the mini head and taking a reference as far as practically possible from the object The leads to the standard and mini heads are interchangeable When LO BATT is displayed at switch on or during operation all four batteries should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid anomalous results PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 19 K S Z 0 gt Q un mj RLS Meter User Manual Z o Cc wn j 7 m 11 Advanced Use of Reference To assist in a more economical use of the credits on the RLS Meter under certain circumstances operators can use an initial REFerence position Ra with a subsequent REFerence position Rg If the REFerence measured at other positions are within 10 LSU from the initial measurement this can still be used by applying to difference between Ra and Rg to the result received at the test result point TR The formula is Loss of Section Tp Rp Ra Exampl
12. ding PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 14 SN a 5 T ain RLS Meter User Manual 7 Procedure for Round Pole gt 250 300 Door gt 300 above GL Door lt 300 above GL Where there is a pole door this is always position P1 P4 In the case of no pole door P1 position is the side facing the road Set REFerence at Ra P2 or P3 Where the pole door is low to the ground check RLS in positions P3 Pl P1 P2 amp P4 at level Rg If gt 3 set new reference at Rp Hold head in position Rg P2 If display lt 3 lower head to GL and commence testing PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 15 Oo CAN AVJ u f Z o wn j 7 m RLS Meter User Manual 8 Procedure for Standard Light Pole Tapered pole usually of hexagonal or octagonal section Pl P3 T 300 P4 ne ee ee ee Where there is a pole door this is always position P1 In the case of no pole door P1 position is the side facing the road Set REFerence at Ra Hold head in position at Ra If display gt 43 repeat reference set If display lt 3 lower head to GL and commence testing Repeat REFerence test routine on each flat face selected PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 16 a Porat T TM CMI INDUSTRIES RLS Meter User Manual D 9 Understanding the Loss of Section Relative differences in the apparent mean section can be due to a number of causes other than corrosion Those causes include e Cable a
13. e confines of the radiated magnetic field can be sensed Where variations occur in the shaped magnetic field these are sensed by the transponder head and processed to produce a displayed reading that is relative to the degree of field distortion When the transponder head is placed against the metal structure at a fixed stand off distance the distortion measured is relative to the overall area of the metal in the sensing zone This includes thickness and area Sprayed metal coatings have negligible effect on the signal By comparing the value at a non corroded Reference Area with the reading at ground level a relative reading for the apparent loss of sound material from the column is determined This is displayed as apparent Relative Loss of Section with respect to the reference area in a Loss of Section Unit or LSU specific to the RLS Meter As the final reading is proportional the system can cater for a wide range of column diameters thicknesses and core materials The RLS technique measures ferrous iron material adjacent to or near to the transponder head which means that it can see through virtually any ground material such as soil concrete coated macadam asphalt etc This makes it ideal for the testing of direct buried columns or poles for street lighting power etc as quite often these are buried within concrete or bitumen The areas it tests happen to be the parts of a pole most prone to corrosion
14. es 10 Reference Limit RRS ERS SSN ee eee ASS Rg Reading R Baseline 0 10 Reference Limit RENE i a a a SNS daa aias aaa da ai a SESS Test Result 1 Ifthe REFerence at P4 is 8 Rg compared to the REFerence at P3 then for a test value of 14 The difference between the readings is 8 to baseline and 14 from the baseline to the test value Therefore the difference is 14 LSU 8 LSU or 22 LSU as the result 2 If the REFerence at P4 is 8 Rg compared to the REFerence at P3 then for a test value of 4 The difference between the readings is 8 to baseline and 4 as the test value Therefore the difference is 4 LSU 8 LSU or 4 LSU as the result Examples 10 Reference Limit R Baseline 0 m m ee ee ee Se SK Rg Reading 10 Reference Limit Gii iaa aiis aaa d adda SSO OES SORES ONEE SEEM ORES AS EE SM Test Result 1 If the REFerence at P3 is 5 compared to the REFerence at P1 then for a test value of 14 The difference between the readings is 5 to baseline and 14 from the baseline to the test value Therefore the difference is 14 LSU 5 LSU or 9 LSU as the result Where the difference between Ra and Rp is 3 then treat as O zero PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 20 T ain RLS Meter User Manual 12 Probability of Corrosion Activity The presence and rate of corrosion is dependent upon a range of conditions A high probability exists where the root is exposed to can
15. ine urine and de icing salts and where ground conditions are aggressive such as in ash or burnt shale bedding material The type of material in which the root is installed influences the rate of external corrosion A summary of the most common materials and their possible affect upon the nature of corrosion is given below Soft ground free draining Corrosion rate slow and uniform in width and depth Soft ground low permeability Corrosion rate high Uniform around circumference and limited in depth below ground Asphalt coated macadam when installed the bitumen adheres to the column to ground level but the movement of the column plus loss of plasticity of the bitumen with time creates a finite gap between the column and asphalt that extends 20 30mm in which corrosive solutions may be trapped Corrosion may be rapid and limited in depth of up to 50mm below ground level Concrete good quality well compacted concrete is alkaline pH approximately 12 and provides an environment that inhibits corrosion With time atmospheric carbon dioxide causes the exposed surface of the concrete to carbonate and this carbonated front gradually penetrates the concrete Steel that lies within the carbonated zone pH10 or lower is susceptible to corrosion in the presence of moisture Chloride induced corrosion attributable to the use of de icing salts can however take place in non carbonated concrete In this case the depth of chloride ion penetratio
16. ise the total credits remaining increases by 1 000 PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 22
17. n controls the zone in which the corrosion can occur Concrete flags a finite gap is usually present between the flag and the column The presence and rate of corrosion 1s dependent upon the nature of the substrate and whether it retains the corrosive solutions or allows them to dissipate PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 21 AN BD han h ct Porta l TRIE tia RLS Meter User Manual N wn 13 Procedure for Adding More Credits When the number of credits on the RLS Meter drops below 100 it starts to advise you that there are a limited number of credits remaining To add more credits you need to request them from your supplier and advise the RLS Meter serial number the PIN Code found on the electronics box as shown below and the how many times credits have been issued to that unit The format of advice would be something like RLS 08 10 16 PIN Group F3 where 3 is the number of times credits were issued to that unit When you step through the initial setup screens it will display one as follows When you first press on the button below the display from this screen it will provide you with the PIN Group code e g F3 Hold down the or buttons to cycle through 4 digits necessary to achieve the PIN code value on the screen Once you have reached the PIN code on the display press the H button to submit the code If there is an error you will be advised otherw
18. perture with the sensed zone e Deformation due to impact e Manufacturing variation in column diameter and thickness e Metallic inclusions objects beneath or near to the search head These causes should be identified where possible during the inspection Column root corrosion may be general and uniform or localised depending upon the surrounding material in the vulnerable zone and the primary cause Trials to date suggest that the following severity of loss occurs at the individual test zones see below for plain steel metal sprayed columns Class LSUs Diagnosis l 0 to 10 Little relative loss of section 2 11 to 16 Moderate loss of section pitting 3 17 to 24 Significant loss of section 4 25 to 50 Severe loss of section 3 Loss lt 50 Very severe loss of section If all loss of section is limited to the zone below ground the LSUs approximate the relative percentage loss of steel within that zone relative to the reference area N B High negative readings may also indicate thin band of total penetration with little actual percentage loss of metal around the circumference of the column In such cases the above criteria apply in respect of potential risk PortaCAT Industries Pty Ltd 2014 Page 17 T ain RLS Meter User Manual 10 Classifying the Loss of Section The overall root condition classification is dependent upon the range and magnitude of the loss of section at the four test positions
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